Making Rope from Car Parts
Wire from any vehicle’s engine makes great rope.
Making Signals from Reflective Objects
Anything shiny is enough to flash sunlight at a passing airplane to attract
rescue.
Making Knives from Glass
Broken glass can be used as an effective cutting tool.
Using Hand Sanitizer as a Fire Starter
Just about anything with a high percentage of alcohol can be used to make
a fire.
Making a Throwing Stick
A THROWING STICK is a solid chunk of hardwood, approximately 18 inches
(45 cm) long, that you can grip and throw efficiently, much the way you
would a boomerang. Your purpose is to aim it well enough to stun or kill
a rabbit, squirrel, or bird that’s within range. It can be very effective when
thrown at a group of roosting songbirds (see “Food,” Chapter 8).
Making Clubs and Spears
ALTHOUGH SPEARS AND CLUBS were used by our prehistoric ancestors for
hunting and warring, you’ll likely find that they are most useful for pro-
tection and reassurance when you’re in a place where there might be dan-
gerous or predatory animals around. If you are surviving in a jungle, for
example, and you know there might be 7-foot (2-m) cobras underfoot, a
long piece of wood feels mighty good in your hands. You can make the tip
of the spear itself quite sharp, or tie a handmade blade to the end.
But the usefulness of spears and clubs doesn’t end there. Like ropes
and knives, these are versatile items that can be used for just about any-
thing, from digging holes to knocking fruit from nearby trees to pounding
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